The Hib/Men C booster vaccine provides better and longer lasting protection against haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Meningococcal Conjugate (Men C).

  • The vaccine is inactivated which means it cannot cause the diseases it’s protecting against.
  • The vaccine will not protect against meningitis caused by any other bacteria or virus.
  • Children are given the booster vaccine at about a year old.
  • The vaccination boosts the immunisation acquired from the primary vaccines given at two, three and four months old for Hib, and three and four months old for Men C. This provides protection throughout your baby’s childhood.
  • The vaccine is given by injection into a muscle, usually in baby’s thigh or the top of his arm.

Side effects

All vaccines can have some side effects, which usually show up within 12 to 24 hours of the vaccine being given.

Some mild side effects are common and include;

  • A fever of over 38°C
  • Pain, redness and swelling where the injection is given
  • Irritability
  • Lack of appetite
  • Sleepy

Less common effects include;

  • Fever
    higher than 39.5°C
  • Sickness and diarrhoea
  • Generally unwell

Rare complications affecting less than one in a thousand children;

  • Rash
  • anaphylaxis
    (an extreme reaction affecting breathing which usually occurs within ten minutes
    of receiving the injection)